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Car start problem - Key? Ignition

Tiny
APPSOLUTE
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 130,000 MILES
This problem started several months ago and has worsened recently.

When I go to start the car, and turn the key, you can hear a clicking of the relay, but the car will not start (no attempt to crank at all). Repeated tries to start, usually result in the car starting right up (some times the 2nd try, some times after the 15th!)

For a month or so, I discovered that if I wiggled the key just so, it would fire up first try, every time. But then it went back to not starting. Usually I have to try turning the key several times before it will start. It seems worse after the car has been parked for a short amount of time (doesn’t want to start at gas stations). If parked overnight, it seems to start on the first try more often.

Sometimes I just can not get it to start with a turn of the key, and have to result to push starting. It ALAWAYS starts when push started.

Any suggestions? Battery is new, otherwise car is due for tune up.
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Thursday, November 4th, 2010 AT 1:04 PM

31 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi appsolute,

The fault lies in the starting circuit and possible causes are :

1. Faulty ignition switch. When starter does not crank, test the Blacl/Yellow wire from ignition switch for battery voltage with ignition turned to START positioon. If battery voltage is not available, the ignition switch is faulty.

2. Faulty clutch interlock switch. Disconnect the clutch interlock switch connector and bridge the teminals. If starter cranks, test the switch for continuity with pedal depressed. If continuity is not available, switch is faulty.

3. Starter. Disconnect the starter solenoid wire and use a remote wire to apply battery voltage. Test it a few ttimes and if starter cranks each time, it is good.

You can test the ignition switch and starter from the starter relay. Unplug the relay and attach a tst lamp to terminal 3 or 5. When ignition is turned on, the test lamp should light up if the ignition switch is good.

If applying battery voltage to terminal # 2 cranks the starter, the starter is good.

Note: Sometimes the voltage from ignition switch might be lower than expected due to wiring or poor ignition switch contacts and under this condition, power supply test works but the voltage is insufficient to crank the starter.

4. Loose wire connectors. Check the connectors between the ignition switch and fuse box for signs of overheating at connectors.

5. Faulty Starter relay. Try swapping the relay with the headlight relays to see if it works.

This guide cn help

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/192750_StartingCircuit06OutlanderFig42a_1.jpg



https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/192750_StartingCircuit06OutlanderFig42b_1.jpg



Here is a guide and diagrams so you can confirm the problem

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

Larger diagrams (below)

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers,
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Thursday, November 4th, 2010 AT 11:56 PM
Tiny
APPSOLUTE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
This is very helpful. I had a feeling it could also be related to the clutch.

I am going to do your suggested tests this week, and I will be back if I do not find the solution.
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Friday, November 5th, 2010 AT 10:11 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Keep updated of the outcome.
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Friday, November 5th, 2010 AT 10:26 AM
Tiny
ROBERTO321
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Hello, I'm having similar issue with my 2006 oulander, did you find the solution?
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Monday, November 3rd, 2014 AT 11:34 AM
Tiny
ASIFFOUZI
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Hi, I have a similar problem. It seems to get worse in warm conditions. Please please let me know if anyone found a solution? I got my starter tested and it passed. Battery is brand new.
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Sunday, April 5th, 2015 AT 7:04 PM
Tiny
QLDAH
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Hello, I had exactly the same problem as described in my 2005 outlander. Took it to an auto elect and he found the ignition switch to be faulty. Replaced it for $200 ($100 for switch) and have had no problems since : )
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Thursday, June 4th, 2015 AT 4:13 PM
Tiny
RMUKO
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Hi, I am experiencing similar trouble with my 2006 Outlander. Morning start is good, but gets 'moody' during the day. What worked for Appsolute?
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Sunday, October 16th, 2016 AT 12:51 AM
Tiny
JOE DO
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I had the same problem with my 2005 outlander not cranking every time it was the ignition switch which was $75 australian dollars and took 5 mins to do there are 4 screws to undo and a wire clip. THEN being a tinkerer I opened the switch and had a dig around and noticed the starting pin was dirty and not getting a good connection so I cleaned it off and it was working well again so I spent $75 for nothing in the long run but now I have a spare JOE
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Monday, September 25th, 2017 AT 8:54 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
Great addition to this thread! :)

Here are some diagrams I found to help people that want to replace the ignition witch

Cheers, Ken
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Tuesday, September 26th, 2017 AT 1:31 PM
Tiny
GONZO876
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2005 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER
Will not start. Has power and will turn over.
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Friday, November 1st, 2019 AT 10:05 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
This sounds like you have crankshaft angle sensor that is not working which when they go out do not set a check engine light here is a guide to give you an idea of what you are in for when doing the job and diagrams below to show you car's location.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/crankshaft-angle-sensor-replacement

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what happens.

Cheers
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Friday, November 1st, 2019 AT 10:05 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RAGAN175
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
2005 Outlander, Same issue, died all of sudden, now cranks but will not start. Tried to jump start eliminated battery & alternator as problem. Did spark test get no spark when crank key and have plug out against bolt head in fire wall, did with two plugs. So I followed this post and found the crankshaft sensor was not to bad to replace, it fixed the problem thank god! Thanks to all who helped me I love this site.
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Friday, November 1st, 2019 AT 10:05 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JMSEIBE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2004 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER
  • 65,000 MILES
Replaced water pump. Which requires taking timing belt off.
Lined up timing marks and it will not fire it turns over but won't start.

Could it be the sensor which is integrated into the cover?
Or what?
All marks are lined up and she won't go.
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Friday, November 1st, 2019 AT 10:05 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

You need to find out what is missing. It could be the crank or cam sensor depending on condition. Recheck your work and see if any wire connector has not been fully plugged in.
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Friday, November 1st, 2019 AT 10:05 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BUDGIESANTOS
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
  • 2004 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 87,000 MILES
Good day gentlemen, it starts great every morning, idle is good and drives perfectly. Problem occurs when I stopped the engine after running for a while, and when I stop and start the engine, say after 5 minutes from halt, it would crank good but will not start. But if you follow up turning the key for the second time it will crank and start. I did some solutions like replacing my ignition coils, cam and crank shaft sensors, spar plugs even the MAF, and clean the battery connectors, yet the issue still prevail.
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Friday, November 1st, 2019 AT 10:05 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Check fuel pressure with a gauge auto parts rent it.
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Friday, November 1st, 2019 AT 10:05 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BUDGIESANTOS
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thank you sir for replying. Fuel Pressure gauge for rent is not available in our place. About 2 year ago, had my electronic gas pump replaced. Yesterday, I had 3 temperature sensors replaced. Still the issue persists. Thank you again sir
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Friday, November 1st, 2019 AT 10:05 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
It sounds like a fuel pump issue.
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Friday, November 1st, 2019 AT 10:05 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BUDGIESANTOS
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Dear Sir,

Indeed, the problem was fuel pressure. The electronic gas pump was faulty. Thanks a lot
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Friday, November 1st, 2019 AT 10:05 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASIFFOUZI
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2004 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 122,000 MILES
My 2004 outlander has recently developed intermittent starting problems. It seems like it worsens as the temperature rises. Problem started when winter was setting in but I pretty much went through the winder without any problems. But now that summer has arrived, the problem is back and getting worse. Sometimes it starts right up and at others, it takes multiple attempts. I got the starter checked and it passed the test although I did observe that there was a lot of play in the gears. The battery is brand new. I did testing with a test light and the terminal on the starter gets power every time the ignition key is turned to starting position. Another little detail and It could be circumstantial, but it does seems like the car seems to start up on many occasions after I lock/unlock the car doors using the switch on the driver door. However, this doesn't work every time. I did test the starter motor and solenoid a few times using jumper cables after I extracted it, everything seemed to work as it should every time.
Please help! I want to do this myself as I am short on money to pay for a lengthy diagnosis
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Friday, November 1st, 2019 AT 10:05 AM (Merged)

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